Pumpkin spice lattes are catching a lot of flak on social these days… and who knows why – they are DELICIOUS!!

Speaking of pumpkins, ROZ, is offering Pumpkin Peels this fall so be sure to sign up for an appointment with our in-house esthetician, Lorena Garcia. Keep in mind that facials are great birthday and holiday gifts, too, so grab one for you and someone you love!

Design Yourself … Design Your Studio!

Please keep us fresh by sharing what you would like to see at labarre studios. Everything is on the table and we are listening; massage therapy, spray tans, additional esthetician services, express class feedback, suggested class times, theme suggestions for drumming, and new classes and disciplines… bring on the ideas!

We are always listening and learning from our guests so click HERE to make your suggestion!

Welcome back our Faithful Fridays. Wear Niners red or gold on Friday and receive 15% off any merchandise (non-sale) item. Every time you do, we will put your name into our grand drawing at the end of the season to win some GREAT prizes. The more Faithful, the better your chances are to win! Go Niners!(come on CJ you can do it!!!)

Our September Drumming Classes were a hit. We love seeing our loyal and first-time drummers rock the house. Be sure to sign up early, as classes do fill up quickly. Please note our monthly drumming class times have changed to a little later time frame. They are now held on Fridays at 5:45pm & 7:00pm – so mark it down and grab your drumsticks!

Don’t miss out on October’s festivities, and make your reservations early!

The following days will see some class changes!

Tuesdays8:15a EXP 30 Drumming will be replaced with HIIT9:00a Fusion & 10:15a Power Yoga will be replaced with Signature

Also BCA swag is coming to the studio soon. These seasonal items sell out quickly so don’t miss them! (We are also proud to announce that a portion of our specialty merchandise proceeds will be donated to Cancer Connections as well!)

OktoBARREfest Open Houseat labarre studios (tell a friend!)

Other Notables for October!

Yoga pop up class at Whole FoodsSunday, October 28th at 8:30amJoin us upstairs at Whole Foods Brewery for a Free Yoga Class

Avoiding Allergy Season By Total Reset Program coach : Jacquelyn Hollenkamp

Fall is officially here and with the changing of the seasons often comes seasonal allergy flare ups that can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffy noses and a host of other symptoms- even fatigue and brain fog. Many people utilize over the counter and prescription medications to alleviate their allergy symptoms, but many times these medications only address symptoms and not the root cause of allergies. Allergies are actually one of the easiest conditions to treat naturally; read on to learn how!

To help alleviate your seasonal allergy symptoms AND address the root cause of allergies, try some or all (for the most efficacy!) of the following tips this fall:

-Utilize a quality air purifier in your home to cleanse the air of toxins and allergens, and when vacuuming, use a HEPA filtration system if possible-Try flushing your nasal passages with a NetiPot -Avoid sugar, dairy and wheat products, which can exacerbate allergy and inflammation symptoms -Consider taking 1 tsp daily of local, raw, organic honey -Eat foods rich in Vitamin C and Quercetin, such as berries, citrus fruit, pineapple, broccoli, onions and dandelion greens -Take a high-quality probiotic daily -If symptoms are severe, looks for a high-quality Quercetin + Nettles supplement from a GMP certified producer

Recipe of the Month - Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Great as a breakfast or pre-workout smoothie, we couldn't resist hopping on the pumpkin bandwagon for this month's recipe! Remember to use organic ingredients when possible.

We usually write something personal and insightful about our “Guest Spotlight” to help set up how important they are to our business and fitness community overall. I say “usually” because this time, I want to share an incredible excerpt that Katherine Richmond sent to me after she was chosen as this month’s Spotlight. She is such a special woman and someone that we all admire greatly, and her kind words touched us. Please get know her by reading further but first, we wanted to share this.

Lisa, I hope you realize how much labarre means to me and how fortunate I feel that Karen Ashley invited me to her Family and Friends classes. From my first visit I felt completely at home and it didn't take much soul searching to know how deeply dissatisfied I was with my yoga studio of more than 10 years and how ready I was for a change. Why? Because not only is labarre gorgeous, but everyone is a reflection of YOU - warm, friendly, welcoming and most importantly non-judgemental. The teaching is phenomenal, challenging us always to be a better us and yet in a non threatening, non competitive way. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE labarre. It truly is my haven where I not only remember to breathe, but actually breathe. It took me time to understand at the end of a stressful day that the reason I sometimes yawn throughout class is because I'm decompressing and relaxing.

I'm so blown away by your dedication to perfection and your dedication to making sure your members get the workout they deserve. I will never forget the first day that Maria came to workout and how you and Lorena held one of Maria's son's for the whole hour he cried just so Maria could workout. I wished I'd had my phone to take a photo of you cradling her son fast asleep in your arms when class finished. But that is just who you are - utterly selfless and dedicated to your members. I hope you are incredibly proud of your amazing achievement - not only of a beautiful space, wonderful staff and classes but of the "family" you have nurtured in all of us lucky enough to participate in labarre.

A million thanks,Katherine

OK, with that, let me dry my eyes and allow you to see why Katherine is such a gem. Thanks Katherine, you are the epitome of what we want here at labarre and what we strive to be.

Katherine Richmond

Place of Birth: Liverpool, EnglandHometown: Saratoga, CA

Occupation: Supervisor Referral Coordinators at Planned Parenthood. So blessed that I love the work I do serving the under served. "Being there" for patients as they deal with scary and life changing diagnoses - breast cancer, cervical cancer, etc. - and helping them navigate the healthcare system is so rewarding.

Family Members: My husband, Pete, and I started dating when I was 15, and married when I was 20!!! Even we can't believe we've been together so long! I have a brother and sister in England and a sister in France. We also have an army of nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces.

The Best Thing I Make Is.. Desserts!! Fave of friends is a killer dark chocolate, almond, orange tart.

My Perfect Date Night: Let's not limit it to "night.” Perfect date day would be to hike with my husband and friends, zoom over to labarre for a class, head up to San Francisco for an art exhibition and exploring a new neighborhood and then checking out a new restaurant - too many choices!

Celebrity I Want to Cast as ME When They Make A Movie About ME! First thought is Penelope Cruz because she is stunningly gorgeous, but let's be realistic and go for the right accent! So.....Helen Mirren, because not only is she an incredible actress, but she is my age range, is sexy as all get-out and seems great fun. Her boobs are way bigger than mine, but other than that she's the perfect fit!

My fitness goals are.. Stay strong and fit so I can continue participating in all that life has to offer until well into my dotage! Never be smug about your health because you can't control everything, but try your hardest and enjoy the results

The most important thing to me is... Living life to the fullest, being kind, positive, gracious and honest. Taking an interest in everyone who crosses my path - everyone has a story and it’s fun connecting with new people. Particularly love doing this at labarre - no new face is safe from me - I try to make new people feel welcome and connected.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is.. Age is just a number, not an excuse. With a little work, I can be as strong as many in the class. I've always been uncoordinated - not for nothing my nickname is Katy Crunch (!), but with focus and great instruction even I have been able to master drumming and have a blast!

The thing I am most proud of is.... Other than wonderful relationships.........that I am never bored and that I'll always have a "Go" at anything. I may be scared and I may not enjoy it, but at least I tried.

August … and summer… faded away with a wonderful event this past Sunday. Again, we took part in Stroll the Alameda and the sweet sounds of Richard Nieset playing classical guitar was only made better by the amazing vintners from Loma PrietaWines. A great way to close out a wonderful summer and prepare us for a fall packed with amazing new classes, equipe members and opportunities to ‘design yourself’ here at labarre studios.

ROZ, our in-house salon which is headed by the fabulous Lorena Garcia, is going stronger than ever. Leading the services at ROZ, our guests have enjoyed the facials among many of the offerings. If you haven’t taken a look at our new facial menu, be sure to check it out right here or stop in yourself to see what ROZ has to offer.

Calling all IDEAS! We have a new suggestion box, up at the front desk. Please keep us fresh by sharing what you would like to see at labarre studios. Everything is on the table, from massage therapy, additional esthetician services, theme suggestions for drumming, new classes and disciplines, we are always listening and learning from our guests and the old-school suggestion box is just another way to connect. Of course, you can always email us at info@labarrestudios.com as well!

We have received rave reviews on our new express classes and these are a result of listening to you and hearing your suggestions loud and clear. We can’t wait to introduce our new schedule in September, which includes more morning express classes and new disciplines as well. Here are just a few of the amazing things you have had to say!

Welcome back our Faithful Fridays. Wear Niners red or gold on Friday and receive 15% off any merchandise (non sale) item. Every time you do, we will put your name into our grand drawing at the end of the season to win some GREAT prizes. The more Faithful, the better your chances are to win! Go Niners! (Wanna get hyped… check this out!)

Our 90’s Drumming Class was jam-packed! We love seeing our loyal drummers and first-time drummers jammin’ to those favorite 90’s hits. We are eagerly crafting more fun sets for our drumming sessions so get ready because we will have some fun soon. Returning in September is our “current music” drumming theme. Be sure to sign up early, as classes will fill up very quickly. Please note our monthly drumming class times have changed to a little later time frame. They are now held on Fridays at 5:45pm & 7:00pm.

We are in our last few days of “100 Days Summer Strong”.Continue to track your attendance by adding a star next to your name with every visit. The more visits, the greater the chance you have of winning cool prizes and many have taken part… and won!

As you may already know we have locked arms with our neighbors, Red Dot Fitness, and you can enjoy this new partnership.

If you haven’t taken advantage of this special offer, ask the front desk how you can bring some barbell into your barre workouts. The crew at Red Dot Fitness shares our love and desire for you to design yourself, so add something new to your core labarre workout, we promise it won’t disappoint.

Lets take a glance at what is to come this month!

New classes and class times begin September 10th

“PowerFlow & Roll” a new blend of conditioning, strength, and therapeutic roll-out.

Express 30 & Express 45More of the classes you love in express formats. Get in, get sweaty, get out …. or stay for another class!

We have been busy training our new instructors and they will be offering “Community Free” classes in September. If you have someone that would like to try out labarre for free, or simply support our new instructors in training take a look at our Community Free class offerings in September.

Before we look at the amazing Century board as we do each month, we wanted to share the great news! We have received the MINDBODY Visionary Award! On the heels of being the 2018 Best Small Business of the Year by the Silicon Valley Organization, we brought home some more hardware as we have been using MBO to help you get to your workouts fast and efficiently. Keep up the great insight and thanks for helping us continue to innovate and expand!

One of the most common questions I get while working with women on their health and nutrition habits is “what are the best times to eat?” There are a lot of varying opinions on this, but when you look at the research on meal timing and frequency of eating, it’s pretty clear how to time your meals so they support your body as best as possible. Your meal timing should aim to support steady blood sugar, a healthy metabolism and consistent energy levels throughout the day. Here are some tips to get the most out of your meal timing:

Eat within an hour of waking. This gives your blood sugar and metabolic rate a healthy foundation for the day. Research shows that those that skip breakfast are more prone to weight gain and inability to lose weight. Ideally breakfast would be around 6:30-7:30 am.

Finish dinner at least two hours before lying down to go to bed. This will give your body a chance to process your meal before resting, so it can focus on restorative sleep instead of digesting your dinner!

Allow 11-12 hours between when you finish dinner and when you eat breakfast the following day. This helps support detoxification, keeps blood sugar within range and balances leptin, one of our key “hunger hormones”.

Recipe of the Month:Açaí Veggie “Thick-Shake”

One of the keys of this “thick- shake” (thicker consistency than your average smoothie!) is steamed then frozen zucchini. Zucchini is in season right now, and this preparation makes them easier to digest. You can’t taste them at all in this thick-shake and would never know there’s a full serving of veggies included!

How do I even begin to thank the folks who have supported, evangelized and helped build labarre? I can only do what I do and that is remind you that without you – the incredible guests of labarre – we are without purpose. Thank you for allowing us to help you design yourself.

Its time once again to turn on the amazing spotlight to a member who has embodied what we the labarre family is all about. Enter stage left, Maria Brandone!

Maria is active in our community, loves our neighborhood, the San Jose Sharks and, of course, labarre studios. She constantly brings us ideas of how to grow and wants to share her little secret (labarre studios) with everyone she knows! We are so excited to let you know a little bit about her and she is well-deserving of the spotlight. Congrats, Maria!

Maria Brandone

Place of Birth: Hartford, CT

Hometown: I’m lucky to have multiple home towns!

(Prior to San Jose I lived in Corvallis, OR., Boise, ID., Carlsbad, CA., Lake Zurich, IL. Westlake Village, CA., Clifton Park, NY. My parents live in Frisco, TX – so that is where I go “home for the holidays.”)

Hobbies?Going to Drum Corps rehearsals/shows over the summer, hiking, traveling and eating at new places.

Tell us about your family!My mother and father (Jeanne and Mike) currently live in Texas. I have two brothers and one sister-in-law. My other brother John is married to Jaqueline who he met in Germany. They live in Orlando, FL. My younger brother recently graduated Louisiana Tech with a BS in Cyber Engineering and minor in Mathematics degree!

Favorite Vaca Spot:I love going back to places I’ve lived – but Boise takes the cake. I vacation there 2-3 times a year!

Music I LOVE…I’m a Justin Timberlake fanatic, so much that I saw him both days he performed at SAP Center!

What am I watching, right now?Right now I’m on a huge “Ice Guardians” kick. It’s a documentary (on Netflix) that showcases the world of enforcers in the NHL/AHL.

Bucketlist item…Drink Champagne out of the Stanley Cup, of course!

Why is fitness important to you?My new year’s resolution was to attend 200 Labarre classes in 2018. Fitness has become a part of my life this past year, mostly because it’s the structured outlet I was missing before!

Advice you would share with a new labarre guests....Try as many different classes as you can, you’ll never know if it works until you try it! I’m certainly not a morning person but I love the occasional 6am to get my day started. Don’t let certain things scare you – you’re already here, so why not try it out!?

The most important thing to me is…Relationships and building them. Because I moved so much when I was younger, I know I need to make the most out of my time wherever I am.

One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…You have more control over your body than you think! In December I decided to go on a 30-day plant-based diet really changed how I eat every day. I don’t eat 100% vegan any more, but changing up this part of my lifestyle helped me realize that a lot of my health problems I was causing myself. I’m more powerful than what I put into my body.

The thing I am most proud of is...The time in 2013 I won a World Championship with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. I started the off season as an alternate but right before tour, I obtained a member spot in the front ensemble. The obstacles I faced in obtaining my spot, on top of winning the championship… It was hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever done and a memory that will last a lifetime!

I look forward to…making better and more meaningful connections with other members at labarre. Heading to the studio is the highlight of my day (and so is having a glass of wine next door after class!)

Our newest equipe member is as kind and lovely as she is talented and interesting. Meet Andria Reta who hails from first generation Ethiopian immigrants. Making their way to California, Andria’s family settled in Fontana. Years later, Andria would attend nearby UC Riverside and receive her undergraduate degree in sociology, as she proudly states that “I always had a profound desire to help people.”

Furthering her education, Andria added a Masters in Health Administration and Gerontology, as her desire manifested itself perfectly as she is now working in the field of public health administration where she gets to help people every day. Advancing her career in health administration meant a move to NorCal 5 years ago to take a position at a Medicare Advantage Company, a health insurance company that tailors to people over 65. Change was instantaneous in her personal life as well. Immediately after moving to the area, Andria met her husband, Kip, and they are celebrating 2 years of marriage and reside in Oakland.

Andria now works at the public health department in Santa Clara County. While in Santa Clara she tried out a lot of different workout options. She says with a smile “labarre was one of them and I had heard really great things about it and it was actually suggested to me by my dentist! (Here is where we pause and give a big shout out to Anthony Vitarelli DDS – brother of founding member, Nancy Vitarelli… and an AMAZING dentist if we say so ourselves!)

“I have always been relatively athletic and staying in shape is key for me,” Andria notes, “and barre was a perfect balance to get a really great workout and where you do not feel defeated at the end of it. I decided I want to pursue it further as I am a lifelong learner and took advantage of the instructor training that is held a few times a year [through barre intensity.]

“From there it manifested into something bigger and the opportunity to instruct presented itself. I am a firm believer that the universe gives you the things that you are supposed to have.” She says confidently.

“I am enjoying it so much – it reminds me of when I was younger and wanted to help people – and now I am standing in front of the room and I can see how I am helping people make changes in their life, and it is so empowering and so fulfilling.”

On the studio floor, Andria defines herself very clearly. “I am going to push you – I want to bring out the best in my students. People may come in not knowing what they can achieve and I want to be there to help. I am going to encourage and challenge you to try your best.”

These words rang true as Andria received similar treatment as a student prior to becoming an equipe member.

“The other instructors at labarre saw my potential and saw what I was trying to achieve and honed in on that and helped me pull out my own strengths.” She continues to be insightful and states, “when I do my affirmations I always say you came here perfect, you were perfect when you arrived, and now you have challenged yourself to be even better. That is something that I find gratifying and if I can have my students feel good about what they have been able to accomplish in that 60 minutes, I feel that I have done my job.”

We agree completely, but we asked Andria what does she do when she is done doing her job! “Me and my husband are big travelers. We take multiple international trips a year as we love to explore the world.”

That world can be local as well… and it revolves around coffee beans and a great meal when listening to Andria.

“I am a big fan of coffee, wine and overall I am a foodie! I like to immerse myself in other cultures.”

Because they are both very busy – the weekends are key. Hiking, picnics, exploring and mini getaways are the norm for Andria and Kip. Lots of date nights and a “monthaversary” to celebrate the relationship keeps the marriage fun and interesting. That “date-night” may put her on a trail exploring with Kip or place her squarely on the couch binging Netflix.

“I listen to myself and hear myself say, ‘This is what you need right now, and that’s OK!’”

Andria’s journey is fueled by passion and education and at times, by loss. Her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer 6 years ago and that life changing event created a shift in Andria’s lifestyle. She was self-admittedly “skinny fat” as she didn’t eat very well. Her mother’s illness was eye opening and prompted a profound change in Andria’s life. With the passing of her mother 2 years ago, she has taken her commitment to health and wellness to another level. She is the healthiest now that she has ever been. “I am a practitioner of good health and I even help create action plans for people around me,” she says proudly. She focuses on her wellness through small changes and primarily focusing on a proper diet.

“It takes time, but it’s a commitment to being healthy”

We know that you will find Andria as spectacular as we do and hope you get a chance to be taught by one of our newest equipe members! We are so lucky to have you Andria and welcome to the family!

Our newest equipe member comes from over 3000 miles away, but her story begins from an even greater distance. Christine

​Lam grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. The daughter of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants, Christine comes from an extensive east coast family. When it was time to go to college, Christine didn’t want to venture too far from her family so she went to UMass, Amherst and studied business operations and information management.

Upon graduation she began to grow more into herself and launched her career. “I somehow stumbled on human resources,” Christine said with a chuckle. But soon she wanted more personal and professional growth. That desire took her out to Northern California, as she wanted to see what the Golden State had to offer.

Her arrival meant a world of new experiences, something Christine wholeheartedly embraced and continues to do so. She was able to cultivate her curiosity about the fitness world by taking a multitude of fitness courses and became passionate about pilates, barre, and yoga.

The genesis of becoming a Pilates instructor was simple, “It all began because I love learning about myself and my body. Also figuring out how that translates into helping others engage with their body to get a better workout. ”

Even though she has only recently begun teaching she is taking it very seriously and has become a natural leader. As a HIIT Pilates teacher, her job is to encourage and push her students and allow each person to decide what level they desire to strive towards.

Working with novice students and experts alike, she modifies her workouts in layers so that members can “challenge and engage at their comfort level.”

When not in studio at 1445 The Alameda, “I love travelling, visiting beaches, arts and crafts, knitting, sketching… I have always been interested in the arts. I am interested in trying a lot of different things!” Christine beams.

We are delighted that Christine is bringing her bright energy, creativity and zest for life to labarre studios-- help us in welcoming Christine Lam to the equipe!

​July was epic at labarre celebrating our first year with our community and our first year as business owners in this amazing city.

Our B1RTHDAY was an entire day of fun with free facials from ROZ, cupcakes from Dessert Designed and treats from No Cow and Radical Snacks. Our guests gobbled up both our treats and our anniversary merchandise!

Thank you labarre members and guests for bringing your friends to labarre for our anniversary open house. Many of our guests took advantage of our anniversary class packages as well as great savings! We loved seeing all the cool hair designs by Maria @ Vemo Hair Braiding and watching you get pampered with chair massages compliments of our great friends at Trio Spa.

​A special thanks to Whole Foods who spoiled our guests with a variety of healthy treats that really “raised the bar”! Juicealize provided samples of some of our favorite cold pressed juices; a great way to complete your workout.

We have received rave reviews on our express sample classes and these are a result of listening to you and hearing your suggestions loud and clear. We can’t wait to introduce our new schedule in September, which includes more morning express classes and new disciplines as well.

​Our 90’s Drumming Class was jam-packed! We loved that many of you stayed for the extra class… and we know why. I was just to make sure you didn’t miss any of your favorite 90's songs!

We held our first ever Seniors Drumming & Dancing to the Oldies Classes and this might be the coolest thing we’ve taken part in. We took the show on the road on July 29th and visited Belmont Village Senior Living on Santana Row. Then on August 1st Belmont Village reciprocated and took a field trip to labarre studios for a class. We never felt so youthful as the energy from our seniors made us smile and charged the classes with passion and movement.

​Did you know we have locked arms with some amazing neighbors? Our partnership with Red Dot Fitness has just begun and if you haven’t taken advantage of this special offer, ask the front desk how you can bring some barbell into your barre workouts. The crew at Red Dot Fitness share our love and desire to design yourself.

​We are in our last month of “100 Days Summer Strong”.Continue to track your attendance by adding a star next to your name with every visit. The more visits the greater the chance you have of winning cool prizes and many have taken part… and won!

We have added Facials to or ROZ menu. Be sure to take a look at our different types of facials offered at ROZ (click here!)

Fall brings back our Faithful Fridays. Wear Niners red or gold on Friday and receive 15% off any merchandise (non sale) item. Every time you do, we will put your name into our grand drawing at the end of the season to win some GREAT prizes. The more Faithful, the better your chances are to win! (And here’s a huge shoutout to the Niners and 1445 The Alameda… The Home of the Faithful!)

Master Trainer, Jinger Di Vito, is back teaching barre fusion on Saturday, August 11st @ 11:30am and Sunday, August 12th @ 10:15am. Be sure to reserve your spot, classes will fill up!​Stroll the Alameda is Sunday, August 26th, from 2:00pm-5:00pm. We are being paired with Richard Nieset who plays classical guitar along with Lima Prieta Wines. Be sure to stop by for a glass of wine and enjoy the music.

As we do to every month, let’s take a peak of the ever-growing Century Board located down our alley at 1445 The Alameda!

All of the things in nature- our bodies included- change with the seasons. It simply makes sense that we would also shift our eating patterns and the produce we are consuming to match the shift in our environment. When we consume produce that is in season, we increase the nutritional value that we receive from the food, flavors are enhanced, we cut down on the toxins and eco-footprint that come with transporting out of season produce, and we also tend to save money! One of the best ways to purchase seasonal produce is at your favorite farmer's market, where you can support local farmers and also ensure you're getting produce that is organic (i.e., less toxic and harmful to your body!) ​As we get into the early fall season in NorCal, we will start to see plenty of berries, artichokes, sweet potatoes, eggplants, green beans and so many other flavorful and colorful creations. Encourage yourself to try something new and celebrate the change that mother nature is bringing!

​Recipe of the Month Zoodles with Homemade Basil Pesto Zucchini is in abundance these days! Enjoy this =dish with some chicken for added protein as a meal, or alone as a side dish! Try to use organic ingredients where you can.

​Melt ghee/butter in a medium sized pan. Cook Zoodles over medium heat until as tender as desired. Place all pesto ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth. Serve 2 Tbsps of pesto over 1 cup cooked zoodles, top with hemp seeds if desired.

​Thank you labarre studios guests! YOU are the reason we have been awarded Silicon Valley Organizations “Best Small Business of the Year” It is because of you that we built labarre and we appreciate your support, referrals, reviews and your love to grow our community.

​It’s time to formally welcome one of our newest instructors, Sarah MacGregor!

Born in Mountain View, this 3rd generation Californian was reunited with the Bay after being whisked away to the Midwest where she made Mt. Vernon, Iowa her home as her parents worked for Cornell College.

A graduate of Cornell College, herself, Sarah decided once she completed her undergraduate studies that she longed to head back home to the Bay. After doing so, she continued on her academic pursuits and received her masters in counseling at Santa Clara University. Sarah’s allegiance to the school continued on as she worked with SCU’s school of education and recently returned after a stint working in the human resources world and receiving yet another masters degree.

Sarah was a quarterly adjunct lecturer for the public health program, working directly with the young men and women and helping guide them on their journey before she was promoted in May of 2016 to the Assistant Dean of Student Services and Assessment in the School of Education & Counseling Psychology.In this role, she works directly with the students from the moment they accept their offer until they become alums.

Leading people has never been a problem for this Bay Area go-getter and she has transferred those skills to the front of the class at labarre studios.“I love working at the University, but this is where I come to fill my soul, [working as an instructor at labarre] is my passion” Sarah notes.Teaching in front of a class offered both anxiety and excitement for the newest equipe member. As a singer and performer, Sarah enjoyed musical theater and felt the same butterflies she does now when she takes center stage, but the limelight suits her well and has helped her at 1445 The Alameda. Standing up and speaking in front of people comes easy to her as ushering people on their journey is in her DNA. “Realizing how much fun and how rejuvenated but exhausted you get at a class here, that is the best feeling ever and I want to make others feel how wonderful I feel. That is what brought me from the back of the studio as a student to the front of the studio as an instructor.” And that shift from student to teacher serves both Sarah and the labarre members well.“Although I am leading the class, I am so laid back.” Sarah further defines her teaching style as a reflection of her personality. “As I become more comfortable I have let a little more of my humor come in – I want everyone to leave feeling that they got a great workout – but just as important that they actually had time to be happy. Once they are here it’s their time and I take that very seriously I want them to have the best hour possible.”

Assuring that everyone is getting the most out of their workout is key as it allows the down time to be that much more enjoyable. In her downtime, this workout warrior is happy to just chill. When not working, she loves to relax. “Sleeping in, having a nice cup of coffee and walking my 10 year old dog, Tessa is what I love to do. In a perfect world, I would follow all of this up with a nice book.” Sarah says with a smile in her voice.

On top of all of this her boyfriend, Adam, a professional photographer and Adam’s son Eric, complete Sarah when she is away from the office and studio and we can see why they love her!

​Be sure to take a class with Sarah if you haven’t and we know you will love her as much as the people in her life!

She finishes the interview with, “It’s a joy and a pleasure to be part of this team.” The feeling is reciprocal! Welcome to labarre studios, Sarah!!

​We are beyond excited to say it, and we can’t even believe it has been 1 year since we opened the doors to 1445 The Alameda, but it has! In October of 2016 we began working toward making labarre studios what we envisioned it to be. The ribbon on one of San Jose’s historic buildings (#87 to be exact!) was cut and July 14th became an important day in our history.

With that, we welcome all to come to our Birthday party on Saturday, July 14th 2018… as we turn 1 year old!

Enjoy free express facials, birthday treats from Radical Snacks and No Cow, and exclusive anniversary merchandise! Receive 30% off labarre logo’ed swag and win prizes by participating in our donation-based raffle. A portion of our raffle proceeds will be donated to research for IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis).

What else is new?We are offering new anniversary-class packages: 30 Class Package $3757 Class Package for $98There is no limit to the number of class packages purchased and no expiration date but this is a limited offer and can only be purchased July 14-29 so don’t pass it up!

Our anniversary celebration continues as we welcome you to bring friends on the weekend of July 27th-29th. Show them what you have experienced at labarre and let them enjoy it at NO COST along with refreshments, snacks, chair massages, hair braiding and 30-minute sample classes that are sure to get them moving (and a little sweaty!)

If you weren’t here for the 80’s rock party don’t worry because we kick off our anniversary open house at our Friday night drumming party introducing our new format "90's Hits" with master trainer, Krissy KT! ​This drumming session on July 27th will showcase our 30-minute sample drumming classes and we will have 4 slots starting at 4:30p and then continuing on at 5:15p, 6:00p, and lastly 6:45p.

Class CapacityPlease make note that our busiest class times are weekend mornings and weekday 5:45pm classes. Its imperative that you make a reservation to guarantee a spot.

If you are not a fan of busy classes, we do have over 40 class times a week to select from so find something that works for you and use your membership to the fullest. We will continue to expand our class offerings as we grow!

The next 2 days (Saturday, July 28th & Sunday, July 29th) labarre will be offering free 30-minute sample classes galore. Be sure to reserve your spot, as classes will fill up quickly!

Our Yelp “Wellness Expo” at Red Dot Fitness was a huge success. We have created a partnership with Red Dot Fitness. Now both labarre studios and Red Dot members can visit each other’s venue up to 6 times a month for just $80. This offer is extended to all labarre studios and Red Dot Fitness members and pass holders. For more information, please inquire at our front desk.

We are going strong in our second month of “100 Days Summer Strong”.We have asked members to track attendance by adding a star next to their names with every visit and the stars have come out! Not only are the charts getting filled, but the Century Board is also getting populated so keep up the great work!

Guests also continue to participate in our 14 weeks of Instagram challenges. They have posted imagery and won great prizes… so don’t miss out. There are plenty of weeks left to get involved as we have 1000’s of dollars in prizes we are awarding, so start “gramming!”

Quick heads up – we will only offer one class on the fourth of July (6:00am) due to the Red, White and Rose Parade! If you want to enjoy the parade we have included parking and road closures here! Also, a quick heads up for the July 4th week. At labarre, we are hoping you have a wonderful holiday and can steal away for a few days. Our team will be doing that as well but we will have classes, of course, to assure our members can keep their regiment strong during these summer months. We will have a modified schedule, though, and want everyone to be aware so please check the holiday weekly class schedule and lock in your workout times!

As we do to every month, let’s take a peek of the ever-growing Century Board located down our alley at 1445 The Alameda!

Lastly, a wellness tip from our Total Reset Program coach, Jacquelyn Hollenkamp

​July Health Tip: Have No Fear of FAT! When most people think of fat, they think of something they want to avoid. In the late 90's, there was a boom of low-fat foods, and fat was vilified as something that was bad for our health. However, current research is showing just the opposite. Fat is a necessary part of a balanced eating pattern, and is the foundation of hormonal balance, brain health and even sustainable weight loss.​

Where we need to be cautious is selecting the types of fats we eat. Fats such as shelf stable oils (think: canola, soybean, vegetable, cottonseed, etc.), shortening/margarine, and anything with the word "hydrogenated" are best avoided. These types of fats are highly inflammatory and end up sticking around in our bodies for far too long. The types of fats we want to include in our daily eating patterns are things like avocados, extra virgin olive oil, salmon, nuts, seeds, coconut milk/oil and grass fed butter. These fats support our delicate hormone balance, mental power, cardiovascular health and so much more! ​

July Recipe :

​Savory Strawberry Basil Oatmeal This power breakfast is an ideal balance of macronutrients and is a delightful flavor combo!

Thank you labarre studios guests! YOU are thereason we have been awarded Silicon Valley Organizations “Best Small Business of the Year” It is because of you that we built labarre and we appreciate your support, referrals, reviews and your love to grow our community.Happy Days! ~ Lisa Alberino, Founder

Erin Higgins has been an inspiration to many at labarre studios. She is committed to her health and it is evident every time she steps in the studio and more importantly when she steps out. Erin has been consistently attending classes at 1445 The Alameda; she plans her schedule and doesn't waiver. She is a regular at our 6:00am classes rain or shine and we are blessed to have her as a founding member at labarre studios. Many of our guests comment on her strength and commitment as she continues to inspire us all!

With that, we introduce you to this month’s Guest Spotlight!

Erin Higgins

Place of Birth: Birchrunville, PA (small town outside Philadelphia, PA)Occupation: Education researcher for the Institute of Education Sciences(U.S. Dept. of Education)

Hobbies?Beach bum, reading historical fiction when I can find the time/energy, barre, cycling, tennis, skiing (though it’s been a while!), and before kids I played/coached soccer.

Tell us about your family!My husband is Steve and we have a daughter Addy (who is almost 3), and another daughter on the way due in late August!

My favorite restaurant is…We moved here in July and are still exploring, but in the neighborhood, I love Luna Mexican Kitchen. My other favorite place to eat is my house when my husband cooks. He cooks great food. In fact, while we were in grad school, the local paper wrote an article about the cold smoker he built in our backyard and the block party pig roasts we used to throw in our old neighborhood!

Favorite Vaca Spot:Vieques, Puerto Rico. It’s a beautiful, small island off the coast of Puerto Rico.My grandparents retired down there and I spent my childhood visiting them often. I have so many great memories there. I can’t wait to bring my kids there someday. I also love traveling to Charleston, SC, where my family now lives. Steve and I had our wedding there. If you’ve never been, it’s a wonderful place to visit.

Bucketlist items…GO!I want to travel more - all over the world!

I would love to learn a new art form - painting, pottery, etc. I’m in a family surrounded by artists and want to fit in :).

Movie everyone should see….period.National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (please click here!) we watch it every year after Thanksgiving dinner.

Why is fitness important to you?Fitness is how I release stress and make time for me. I do it to feel strong and remind myself what I’m capable of. My goal is to be in the best shape of my adult life. I was a three-sport athlete in middle and high school, and I dropped the ball a bit after college. I made a commitment to myself when we moved here that I would make the time to get back into shape and set a good example for my kids. Some weeks are harder than others, but I’m getting there!

Advice you would share with a new labarre guests....Barre is difficult at first! Your legs will burn for days after a single class. Stick with it though and you’ll be surprised at what your body can do. All of the instructors are wonderful and motivating, and they all have their different styles. Try them all out!

The most important thing to me is…My family, but I’ve learned over the past few years that I support them best when I take time for myself. For me, labarre fills that role. It’s a wonderful community of people, and after every (6am) class, I feel great and ready to start my day! One thing I learned about myself in the past 6 months is…I embrace challenge and change. My family moved across the country to San Jose last summer, where we knew only a small handful of people, and in a short time we have built a wonderful community of friends. At the same time, my husband and I challenged each other to get back into shape and live healthier, and we have been successful in sticking with that.

​The thing I am most proud of is...​Sticking with labarre throughout my second pregnancy, and hitting the 100 class mark during that time!

Some weeks have been really tough, but I feel great right now, and it’s largely thanks to the time I spend at labarre. Anthea’s new freestyle power barre class has been especially great for me during this time.

I look forward to…Spending even more time at labarre while I'm on maternity leave this fall. Bring on the planks!